A Russellville restaurant voluntarily closed its doors on Dec. 8 for cleaning and making repairs amid public health concerns before reopening on Dec. 10.

The closing came before a report was filed with the Pope County Health Department about a food safety concern with the restaurant. County health inspector Jeremy Hale responded to the complaint about the food and possible contamination issues.

According to a health department report, an undetermined number of customers became ill after eating food prepared at the Subway restaurant on South Arkansas Avenue.

Health officials said an investigation is pending and that no citations have been issued.

Subway stores on Parkway Drive, Lakefront Drive and South Arkansas Avenue operate under the same ownership.

According to Hale’s report, risk factors for food contamination were discussed with the manager following the complaint of illness.

The report stated that specific “risk factors” could have contributed to the illness described in the complaint. These factors include food source, employee hygiene and health, cold and hot food holding temperatures and cooking methods.

Hale advised the manager to monitor for any compromising activity that may lead to future food contamination.

Subway owner Lisa Altman told The Courier that two employees at the South Arkansas Avenue location tested positive for "an easily spread virus typical for this time of year" and have been suspended from their jobs.

“I am taking the necessary steps to resolve this issue,” Altman said. The employees will be allowed to return to work after testing negative for the virus, she added.

According to the health report, close observation of employee illness and safe handling and storage of food is essential for preventing food-borne illness.

Hale also advised the manager as a corrective action to make sure employees use proper sanitation techniques when cleaning any equipment that comes in contact with food.

Results of a recent inspection performed by Hale show that, as of Nov. 30, “All temps of food products are currently within cold holding requirements (and) hot holding requirements.” The incident that led to the complaint filed with the Arkansas Department of Health may be isolated, Hale said.